Larry Dierker Chapter meeting recap – 11/21/2022
On a chilly, rainy evening on Saturday, November, 21, 2022, forty-five members of the Larry Dierker Chapter gathered in person at the Spaghetti Western restaurant in Houston and via Zoom for the monthly chapter meeting. President Joe Thompson opened the meeting with a shout-out to the World Series Champion Houston Astros. He reminded all in attendance that the newest issue of our newsletter is now out and recognition of new members and guests followed. The newest edition of the newsletter can be found here for those who have not read it yet.
He noted that on the morning of Saturday, December 17, at 11 a.m. Central, there will be an informal gathering for general “hot stove” discussion and for getting acquainted with new members. The regular monthly meeting will follow on Monday, December 19, and will feature presentations by Tony Adams on the “cheating” controversy (signstealingscandal.c
Bill Brown introduced the evening’s first presenter, Astros Hall of Famer and local favorite Terry Puhl. He now works as a financial advisor and as a college baseball coach. A native Canadian, Terry had a long and distinguished career with the Astros. Terry Puhl and Craig Reynolds were the longest pair of Astro teammates at fourteen years until Bagwell and Biggio Beat them. He recalled some of the highlights of his big-league career and shared many recollections of relationships with other players and managers. He responded generously in a question-and-answer time to conclude his remarks.
The second presenter, John Racanelli, joined us via Zoom from his home in Chicago. A dedicated baseball fan with an insatiable interest in baseball history and litigation, he provided information on the SABR Landmarks Committee which aims to identify baseball-related sites in many different categories across North America and beyond. Both chapter and individual involvement is sought in the ongoing expansion of this valuable resource. Available on the SABR website, it offers information and maps to help baseball fans locate places of interest. President Joe Thompson would like for our chapter to expand on its previous efforts to locate relevant places in the Greater Houston area. John also spoke of a blog that he writes and manages called The Hardball Voyager; all members are urged to investigate it and to submit their own essays.
A trivia quiz focused on Astros trades was offered by Patrick Petty and won by the team of Tal Smith and Mike McCroskey with 15 out of 16 correct answers!
The meeting was adjourned with reminders of December plans and with Thanksgiving Wishes for all!
Reminder: A recording of all other chapter meetings dating back to 2020, can be found on the SABR Houston Larry Dierker Chapter website at sabrhouston.org and the SABR Houston Larry Dierker Chapter YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channe
— Marsha Franty